Generation of α,β-Unsaturated Platinum Carbenes from Homopropargylic Alcohols: Rearrangements to Polysubstituted Furans

A number of diversely substituted furans are synthesized via a cycloisomerization process that goes through a unique metal carbene species. Both ligand structure and the nature of the leaving group are evaluated. The characteristics of the carbene intermediate can be modulated, resulting in highly selective hydrogen or silicon group migrations.